Photo courtesy of HMS Belfast
National Lottery Open Week is returning from Saturday, March 15, to Sunday, March 23, 2025, offering families a fantastic opportunity to explore London’s rich cultural and historical sites at reduced costs. During this week, numerous National Lottery-funded venues across the city will provide free or discounted entry to visitors presenting a valid National Lottery ticket, scratchcard, or proof of play via the National Lottery app.
Here’s a comprehensive list of participating London attractions:
Charles Dickens Museum
- Offer: Free entry for one person
- Dates: March 19-21
- Details: Explore the former home of one of England’s greatest novelists, where classics like Oliver Twist were penned.
- www.dickensmuseum.com
Brunel Museum
- Offer: Free entry (redeemable against one adult, concession, or family ticket)
- Dates: March 15-17, 21-23
- Details: Discover the legacy of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the historic Thames Tunnel.
- www.thebrunelmuseum.com
Eltham Palace and Gardens
- Offer: Free tours for one adult and up to two children
- Dates: March 15-16
- Details: Experience a unique blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture set within stunning gardens.
- www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/
Osterley Park and House
- Offer: Free entry for one adult and up to four children
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Enjoy this Georgian estate’s grand interiors and expansive parklands.
- www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-and-house
Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery
- Offer: Free entry for one adult
- Dates: March 15-16, 19-23
- Details: Visit the historic home of architect Sir John Soane, showcasing innovative design and contemporary art exhibitions.
Tower of London
- Offer: 50% off tickets for up to two adults and four children per National Lottery ticket
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Explore the iconic fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of history.
Kensington Palace
- Offer: 50% off tickets for up to two adults and four children per National Lottery ticket
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Step inside the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a residence of young royals for over 300 years.
Hampton Court Palace
- Offer: 50% off tickets for up to two adults and four children per National Lottery ticket
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Discover the Tudor kitchens, the Great Hall, and the stunning gardens of Henry VIII’s former home.
RAF Museum London
- Offer: 2-for-1 tickets on 4D Theatre rides, plus 10% off purchases in the Museum Shop and Hendon Kitchen café
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Explore aviation history through interactive exhibits and thrilling experiences.
- www.rafmuseum.org.uk/
Heath Robinson Museum
- Offer: Free entry for one person
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Delve into the life and work of the renowned illustrator William Heath Robinson.
- www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org
HMS Belfast
- Offer: 50% off tickets for up to two adults and four children per National Lottery ticket
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Explore the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship.
- www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
Florence Nightingale Museum
- Offer: Free entry for one person
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Learn about the life and legacy of the founder of modern nursing.
- www.florence-nightingale.co.uk/
Chelsea Physic Garden
- Offer: Free entry for one person
- Dates: March 15-23
- Details: Discover London’s oldest botanic garden, showcasing a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful, and medicinal plants.
- www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/
The Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Offer: Two-for-one entry for up to 6 people
- Dates: March 15-23
- www.iwm.org.uk
The Ragged School Museum
- Offer: Two-for-one entry
- Dates: March 15-26, 19-23
- www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk/
World Rugby Museum
- Offer: Two-for-one entry
- Dates: March 15-16, 18-23
- www.worldrugbymuseum.com/
National Trust Properties
Several National Trust sites in London are also participating, offering free or discounted entry to lottery ticket holders. These venues provide a chance to delve into the city’s heritage and natural beauty.
To take advantage of these offers, simply present a valid National Lottery ticket, scratch card, or proof of play via the National Lottery app upon arrival at the participating venue. Each venue may have specific terms and conditions, so it’s advisable to check their official websites or contact them directly for detailed information.
National Lottery Open Week is a fantastic initiative that allows families to enjoy cultural, historical, and recreational sites at a fraction of the usual cost, all while supporting the valuable work funded by National Lottery contributions.